UIASC Brings SoCal Community Together For Patriotic And Cultural Celebration
India-West Staff Reporter
LA PALMA, CA — The United Indian Associations of Southern California (UIASC) celebrated India’s Independence Day at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on August 9, bringing together over 700 community members, dignitaries, and cultural performers for an evening of patriotism, tradition, and unity.
The festivities included a free health camp, shopping booths, cultural programs, patriotic songs, and vibrant dance performances.
The event opened with a colorful parade, followed by a welcome from commissioner Ashok Patnaik. After the U.S. and Indian national anthems, a recorded speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was played. Another video presentation curated by executive advisor Sudip Gorakshakar was also screened at the event, highlighting India’s 78 years of progress.
UIASC president Kewal Kanda, in his speech, highlighted India’s achievements and noted Indian Americans could hold their heads high with pride. Amrit Bhandari, chairman, and Dr. Sukrit Mukherjee, convener of the event, spoke about the vision of the organization.
Guests of honor included vice-consul of CGI-LA Priyanka Tyagi, who spoke on the significance of Independence Day, and Dr. Bharat Patel, who inspired the audience with a blend of motivation and humor. California state senator Tony Strickland and California assembly member Sharon Quirk-Silva shared remarks on the shared dream of liberty, democracy, and a brighter future between India and the USA.
The chief guest, Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri, also the program’s largest donor, encouraged UIASC to continue its mission with passion, shaping a stronger future for the Indian American community in Southern California.
The cultural program had some captivating performances including the ones by Dr. Sinduri Jayasinghe, Vinaini Jayasinghe, and their group who presented a dramatic portrayal of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju’s life. Surekha Modi brought energy with a traditional Gujarati Garba and Geeta Bhatt delivered a powerful rendition of ‘Operation Sindoor’. There was also a patriotic medley by Paulomi Pandit. The grand finale of the cultural segment featured a patriotic medley performed by all participants.
Sarumathi Shivakumar served as the emcee for the event.
Earlier, the complimentary health camp offered screenings for vital signs, BMI, body fat, hemoglobin, vision, and digital EKGs.
Guests also enjoyed complimentary snacks and vegetarian and non-vegetarian dinners while connecting with community leaders and dignitaries.
Others on the UIASC executive team who helped make the event a big draw for the community included treasurer Arvind Patel, secretary Yatri Shukla, joint secretary Hark Vasa, cultural chair Surekha Modi, cultural co-chair Rajeshwari Kulkarni, publicity chair Nila Parikh, coordinator Radhika Patel, youth chair Priya Kumar, decorations chair Smita Shah, and health chair Dr. Rohini Joshi.
